Starmer Says ‘Positive Strides’ Made on Tariffs and Visa-Free Travel During China Discussions.

Sir Keir Starmer said he achieved “good progress” on tariffs and visa-free travel to China during his meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The prime minister also raised sensitive issues, including the imprisonment of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Starmer is the first UK prime minister to visit China in eight years, amid efforts to strengthen trade ties with Beijing. Critics, however, have warned that the UK should adopt a cautious approach given national security concerns and China’s human rights record.

After the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, which lasted around an hour and 20 minutes, Starmer said the discussions focused on how “huge opportunities” in China could benefit the UK.

“We made really good progress on tariffs for whisky, on visa-free travel to China, and on information exchange and cooperation on irregular migration, particularly regarding small boats and engine parts,” he said.

He described the talks as “constructive with real outcomes” in the UK’s national interest.

China’s readout of the meeting said it would “actively consider” implementing unilateral visa-free entry for UK citizens. Currently, British passport holders still require a visa to enter China, while 70 other countries enjoy visa-free access.

Under an agreement expected to be signed, UK and Chinese law enforcement will cooperate to disrupt the supply of small boat engines and equipment used by criminal gangs to smuggle migrants across the Channel. Last year, over 60% of the engines seized from smuggling gangs were Chinese-made.

When asked about raising the cases of Lai and the Uyghurs, Starmer said: “We raised those issues, as expected. Engagement allows us to seize opportunities while having a mature discussion about points of disagreement.”

Starmer travelled to Beijing with a delegation of British business and cultural leaders. At the start of his meeting, he said he wanted a “more sophisticated” relationship with China, stressing the domestic benefits of closer ties.

“I promised 18 months ago that Britain would face outwards again,” he said. “Events abroad affect everything at home, from supermarket prices to our sense of security.”

President Xi said UK-China relations had experienced “twists and turns” that did not serve either country’s interests and argued that dialogue was “imperative” in a turbulent world. He praised previous Labour governments for contributions to bilateral relations and said leaders who rise above differences would “stand the test of history.”

Xi added: “Sometimes good things take time. As long as it serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, leaders should not shy away from difficulties.” He also quoted a Chinese proverb: “Range far your eye over long distances,” and described Starmer’s visit ahead of Chinese New Year as “a sign of auspiciousness.”

As a gift, Starmer gave Xi a football used in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal, reflecting their respective football loyalties.

The visit occurs amid heightened trade tensions after US President Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Canada for signing a “strategic partnership” with China.

Opposition parties criticised the trip. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she would not visit China at this time, arguing the UK should engage with countries aligned with its interests. The Liberal Democrats said the government’s approach had been “all give and no take” and urged Starmer to address China’s political interference and the repression of Hong Kong activists.

The visit comes shortly after government approval for a new, large Chinese embassy in London, raising espionage concerns. UK officials in China are reportedly using burner phones and temporary emails amid security precautions.